He didn't understand or trust Lin Qian, and was worried that Lin Qian might suddenly attack and hurt someone!
Wu Shuangren: "I've asked Mother to keep an eye on things; everything should be fine."
So Guo Jiwang stopped trying to persuade him and got up to go and invite someone.
A moment later, Lin Qian was led by two Militia Private into the courtyard where Wu Shuangren was receiving treatment.
In the courtyard, Wu Shuangren sat alone on a stone bench, while Xu Nanzhi waited in the house behind him, without showing herself directly.
Lin Qian was taken aback when he saw that Wu Shuangren was wrapped in strips of cloth, without armor or weapons, and without any guards by his side.
He stood at the courtyard gate, forcefully driven the spear into the floor, and walked into the courtyard empty-handed.
"Militia Commander Wu, we meet again."
Lin Qian stopped a few steps away and bowed to Wu Shuangren.
Wu Shuangren gestured, "I am injured, so please excuse my formalities and have a seat."
Lin Qian nodded and sat down next to Wu Shuangren.
"Lu Yulin, dissatisfied with Song Hai's offer of amnesty, led his followers away from Mount Liang and established their own independent force..."
After sitting down, Lin Qian immediately told the whole story.
From the split of the Mount Liang forces, each going their own way; to Lu Yulin killing Wu Yan and leading his men to counterattack; to his break with Lu Yulin and others, and his duel with Lu Yulin on the battlefield.
Lin Qian explained in detail, leaving Wu Shuangren with many surprises.
Did Lu Yulin kill Wu Yan and then rebel against Mount Liang?
Did Lin Qian break ties with Lu Yulin and others because of himself?
In the decisive battle between the two powerful figures, Lu Yulin broke through to the Great Grandmaster realm?
These news reports are all incredibly shocking!
Wu Shuangren couldn't help but feel fortunate that he hadn't tried to match his memories from his previous life to the history of this world; hardly anything matched up...
"Forgive my bluntness, but we have no prior relationship, and are even enemies. Why would Brother Lin be willing to risk his life to help me?"
Wu Shuangren asked.
Lin Qian looked at him and said, word by word, "If I said that I admired your character and integrity, would you believe me?"
Wu Shuangren looked directly into Lin Qian's eyes, and after a few breaths, nodded slightly. "I believe you!"
He ambushed the Mount Liang forces to cover the retreat of the people of Linwen County. Lin Qian was also present during that battle. After the battle, Xu Nanzhi told him that Lin Qian had no intention of killing him.
Wu Shuangren trusted Xu Nanzhi's judgment, so when he heard Lin Qian say this, he was willing to believe it.
A smile appeared on Lin Qian's face, and the two exchanged a smile.
"In any case, I must thank Brother Lin for holding off Lu Yulin and the others; otherwise, countless more of my men would have died today."
Wu Shuangren bowed to Lin Qian.
He chose to lead the charge alone, aiming to capture Rong Province City with minimal losses. However, if Lu Yulin had led his men to attack at that time, the Yi Province Militia would have suffered many casualties, and taking Rong Province City would not have been so easy.
So Lin Qian really did help a lot!
Lin Qian waved his hand. "I was able to make a breakthrough and take that crucial step because I witnessed your heroic feat. My standing up to stop Lu Yulin and the others wasn't entirely to help you; it was also to practice my own principles!"
He is an upright person, and there are some things he must say clearly.
This only made Wu Shuangren feel even more favorably towards her. "In any case, I will remember this kindness in my heart."
Lin Qian smiled and said, "I'd like to know what Militia Commander Wu's next plans are?"
Wu Shuangren saw the expectation in the other person's eyes, but he didn't hide anything and said directly, "I will not rise up in rebellion like Mount Liang."
Lin Qian was taken aback. "But you publicly killed a high-ranking general of the imperial army on the border and even attacked government troops. How can the imperial court tolerate you?"
Wu Shuangren said, "I have a way to resolve this; it's not time to completely break off relations yet."
"..."
Lin Qian fell silent.
He had thought that Wu Shuangren would rise up in rebellion and start an uprising in Jiannan Circuit, and he was already prepared to join in. However, he did not expect that Wu Shuangren had no intention of rising up in rebellion.
"The reason I, Lin, became an outlaw and joined the Mount Liang bandits is because the imperial court is corrupt and rampant with greedy officials, leaving the people destitute! Also, I have a great grudge to settle in the capital, and I hope that one day I can lead troops into the capital, overthrow this corrupt court, and kill all those corrupt officials!"
Lin Qian said through gritted teeth.
He had killed the dandy who had defiled his wife, and then went to assassinate the other party's father who was an official in the capital overnight.
That night, the other party hosted a banquet in their residence, Lin Qian killed several officials. Unfortunately, the residence had top -First Rate notch experts serving as guards, as well as a group of elite soldiers, so he ultimately failed to kill them.
In Lin Qian's opinion, the reason why that playboy was able to do evil in the capital and no one dared to take care of it was all because of his father who was a third-rank official and kept protecting him.
Therefore, half of the blame for the wife's death should be placed on this man!
Lin Qian joined Mount Liang hoping that one day he could fight his way back to the capital and avenge his enemies!
After listening attentively to Lin Qian's explanation, Wu Shuangren said solemnly, "Brother Lin risked his life to help me, and I have something to say frankly—I have lofty ambitions and will never be confined to a single prefecture forever. But the time is not yet ripe, and I do not wish to become a second Mount Liang!"
Lin Qian's eyes flickered, showing some emotion.
Rather than making grand pronouncements, Wu Shuangren's statement, "I don't want to become a second Mount Liang," truly resonated with him!
The reason he broke with Lu Yulin and others was that he believed that even if they established their own independent faction, it would just be another Mount Liang, which was definitely not what he wanted.
Seeing that Lin Qian was somewhat swayed by his words, Wu Shuangren quickly said, "Brother Lin, if you trust me, you can stay and wait a few more years. I will definitely show you a satisfactory result!"
With such a powerful figure, who was only half a step away from Great Grandmaster, willingly offering himself to Wu Shuangren, Wu Shuangren was determined to keep him there.
Lin Qian didn't hesitate for long. "Alright, if Militia Commander Wu doesn't mind, I'm willing to stay!"
Wu Shuangren was overjoyed, unable to suppress the smile on his face.
Looking at the Traits above the other person's head, it was as if I could see a future Great Grandmaster under their command!
The sky gradually darkened.
All the captured Shannan Army were gathered and taken to a drill ground inside the city.
Inside a room in the training ground, Wu Shuangren and Guo Jiwang sat waiting for someone.
A moment later, Zhang Liao, whose name was associated with the [Radiant Tiger] Traits, entered the house.
"General Zhang, please have a seat."
Wu Shuangren gestured for Zhang Liao to sit down and got straight to the point, "There are some things I'd like to discuss with the general."
Zhang Liao walked over and sat down, looking at Wu Shuangren: "Militia Commander Wu, please speak."
"General, you broke with Xu Rong, and now Xu Rong is dead at my hands. If the Shannan Army investigates further, what are your plans, General?"
Wu Shuangren asked.
Zhang Liao met his gaze and, seeing that the other man's expression was open and honest, without the slightest hint of threat, felt somewhat relieved.
His initial decision to inform Wu Shuangren was indeed motivated by a desire to cultivate a good relationship with this young, promising, and talented regimental commander.
But he never expected Wu Shuangren to be so fierce, not only taking the lead but also killing Xu Rong!
If Wu Shuangren were to rebel, Zhang Liao, even if he didn't want to be a traitor, would find it difficult to clear his name of suspicion.
"General Zhang, please rest assured, I, Wu, have no intention of doing anything out of line."
Wu Shuangren said sincerely.
"..."
Openly killing a border general and capturing a large number of government troops—isn't that overstepping the bounds?!
Zhang Liao couldn't help but complain in his heart.
However, he understood what Wu Shuangren meant, so he asked, "I wonder how Militia Commander Wu plans to wrap this up?"
Guo Jiwang then spoke up, "General Zhang, First Rank expert, whose military prowess is no less than Xu Rong's, is he content to be confined to a fortified city as a garrison commander?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Liao's heart stirred, and he turned to look at Guo Jiwang: "That's just how the military is. If no one above you promotes you, no matter how capable you are, it's useless. What can you do if you're unwilling?"
Guo Jiwang smiled slightly, "Now General Zhang's opportunity has arrived!"
Zhang Liao leaned forward slightly. "What do you mean by that?"
Guo Jiwang said, "Xu Rong led his troops to pursue the Mount Liang rebels, but they turned around and attacked him, resulting in his death and the loss of Rong Province City. Fortunately, General Zhang fought bravely and repelled the enemy, recapturing Rong Province City!"
"... Given General Xu's abilities, it would be very difficult to convince people that the Mount Liang rebels could kill him."
Zhang Liao shook his head.
Hearing this, Guo Jiwang's smile widened, "If Lu Yulin of Mount Liang breaks through to the Great Grandmaster realm, it wouldn't be surprising if he could kill Xu Rong."
"Such an explanation is absurd..."
Zhang Liao instinctively felt that this was something Wu Shuangren and Guo Jiwang made up.
Wu Shuangren said earnestly to Zhang Liao, "This matter is absolutely true, there is no falsehood whatsoever!"
"Such a thing could happen?!"
Zhang Liao was greatly alarmed.
At any time, the emergence of a new Great Grandmaster is enough to shake the world!
"If Lu Yulin hadn't made a breakthrough, would he have dared to suddenly lead his men in a surprise attack?"
Guo Jiwang said.
Zhang Liao thought about it and realized that this was indeed the case.
He had fought against Lu Yulin at Tiger Soul Pass and was familiar with the latter's leadership style. It was indeed unusual for him to suddenly lead his troops back to fight under those circumstances.
However, if the other party breaks through to the Great Grandmaster realm, then it makes sense.
"But I am not a member of the Shannan Army after all. If it is only my own words, I'm afraid it will be difficult to convince Wang Yan."
Zhang Liao pondered for a moment before speaking.
Guo Jiwang pointed outside and laughed:
"General Zhang, don't worry, Militia Commander Wu has already made preparations for you."
188 The Warlords
More than a thousand soldiers of the Shannan Army, stripped of their armor and weapons, stood anxiously on the drill ground.
They had no idea what fate awaited them.
Inside the room, the person who decided the fate of these soldiers was Zhang Liao.
"General Zhang, don't worry, Militia Commander Wu has already made preparations for you."
What is the meaning of Mr. Guo's words?
"Among these soldiers outside, some are Xu Rong's personal guards, while others are his fellow villagers and relatives. These people must not be allowed to live."
Guo Jiwang spoke casually, but his words revealed a murderous intent!
Zhang Liao didn't speak, and continued to look at him.
"If the remaining soldiers of the Shannan Army want to live, they must kill these confidants of Xu Rong! General Zhang will take charge of this matter, and the remaining soldiers will naturally stand with you."
Guo Jiwang explained his plan.
"..."
Zhang Liao fell silent.
Of course, there are risks involved in doing this, since with so many people involved, it's impossible to guarantee that everyone can keep the secret.
But Xu Rong was already dead.
Even if Zhang Liao doesn't cooperate with the Yi Province Militia, he will still be suspected by the Shannan Army. Even if he tells the truth, he will only end up pleasing neither side.
"If General Zhang is unwilling to do so, he may leave directly, and I, Wu, will not make things difficult for him!"
Wu Shuangren suddenly spoke up at this moment.